Review Flexifoil the Hadlow Pro 2011

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Riding type: Freeride/New School
Year: 2011
Brand: Flexifoil
Size: 05.5m, 07m, 09m, 11m, 13m
Type: C-kite
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Kites

4/5 line C-shaped kite

Designers goals

Fresh for 2011 is the new HADLOW by Flexifoil. An evolution of 2009's Hadlow Pro, the 3rd generation of Aaron's world class signature kite see's retention of the C-kite performance that the series is reputed for, with a strong element of accessibility added for this year's iteration.
Having already nailed the hardcore freestyle attitude of the HADLOW, Aaron has focused on opening the kite up to a new market through the development of an innovative and unique depowered kite setting. With the kite now capable of achieving over 50% more depower under the alternative setting, the versatility of the HADLOW across all conditions, be it freestyle, wave or snow, more than matches its precision, speed and power through the air.
2011 also brings a refinement in the freestyle attitude of the kite on both settings, with a much more solid feeling throughout; the HADLOW now produces even more pop on demand to make your tricks more explosive. On the smaller sizes, the speed and feel combines to get the kite down and more extreme into megaloops, but stays fast enough to stop you from dropping out of the sky. On bigger sizes, overall handling is improved to give you more confidence and ease into and out of tricks, whether hooked or unhooked.
If you're looking to take the next step forward in freestyle kitesurfing, then the 2011 HADLOW is all you need. With its unique innovative depowered setting, the HADLOW gives you the opportunity to step back from the extremities of Aaron's abilities when you want to, but push yourself and challenge your skills when you need to.

Video with Aaron himself

 

Features


Thin Leading Edge Tube

Increases the speed through the window and therefore the manoeuvrability of the kite.

Altered Strut Pattern
The struts have all moved towards the tip of the kite. This gives the kite a more driving turn by keeping the first two sail panels near the wingtip stiff, ensuring that the load from steering the bar is transferred into twisting the kite, rather than causing any localised deformation.

New Aerofoil Shape
The new centre section of the kite ensures the kite drives all the way through the turn and produces a constant pull which is required for predictable megaloops and standard kiteloops.

Supported Leading Edge Tube
Whether in HadlowPro 4-line mode or the standard 5-line mode, the ultra-thin kite LE is supported in the centre section by two lines. This helps to maintain the correct LE shape and increase kite power production. 

Large Wingtips
These increase the turn-rate of the HadlowPro. This works in combination with the new aerofoil providing a huge turning area.

Inflatable Wingtip Struts
Getting the kite off the water fast is important to Aaron. In a seven minute PKRA heat Aaron regularly pulls an incredible 20+ tricks! If he drops his kite it’s vital that he can get it off the water fast. The Hadlow pros have oversized wingtips to aid the kite’s fast turning ability and a narrow front tube for fast kite speed. These can mean that the kite can be tricky to launch especially in rough conditions.

Wingtip Batons

Makes the end section of the wingtip stiff, providing the rider with direct feedback to the bar and a kite that steers extremely responsively.

Upgraded flying line
The line lengths are exactly the same as Aaron uses. 22m - (18m + 4m)

Less weight, more protection
When Aaron is training he crashes his kite hard many times. Therefore his kites need to be incredibly durable yet super light to aid flying characteristics. We’ve fitted Ballistic Nylon so that the stitching is protected against the rough beach environment. Flexifoil have also reduced the bumpers size to reduce the weight as much as possible.

EZ Single-Point Inflation

As with all Flexifoil kitesurfing products, the EZ single-point inflation system increases the speed of kite setup getting you out on the water in less time.

Anti Flutter
Toughened and flexible battens are sewn into the trailing edge near the wingtips. Reinforced with Dacron, they create a stiffer trailing edge and a clean release for turbulent air passing over the wingtip to reduce drag and provide an increased turn speed.

Rigid Strut
The connection between the struts and the leading edge tube has been completely remodelled allowing for millimetre perfect construction, improved strength and increased rigidity in the kite frame.

Reinforced Leading Edge Tube
Reinforced stitching increases the stiffness and strength of the tube. This not only helps soak up a few slams, but also maintains the shape of the aerofoil for a more power-driven experience.

 

Details:

Riding type: Freeride/New School
Year: 2011
Brand: Flexifoil
Size: 05.5m, 07m, 09m, 11m, 13m
Type: C-kite
One pump: Yes
Bridles: Yes
Number of struts: 6
Colours: Various
Line length: 20m-22,5m
Bar length: 48cm-54cm
Bar: 4 and 5 lines
Depower: Strap
Safety: Push
Swivel: n.a.
Variable bar length: No
Oh shit handles: Yes

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